Tatom Khulu Mandela

Perhaps one of Willman’s greatest achievements was his significant contribution to the recording of the process of South Africa’s democratic change. In 2003 Willman was commissioned to archive and document the life and times of Nelson Mandela for the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Over the years this afforded him many intimate experiences with a man who for Willman embodies the very spirit and conviction we all possess as Africans in the world today. Willman’s collection of work is now central to the Mandela Centre of Memory & Presidential Library in Johannesburg. This original handprint collection depicts just one occasion where Willman was granted private access to photograph intimate moments with Nelson Mandela. On a single roll of 35mm film Willman relied on his intuition, his passion and love for this man to capture an extraordinary collection of images. It was from this inspired photo shoot that many of the images created went on to define and build the living legacy of Nelson Mandela.